‘India-Belgium partnership expanding into defence, clean energy’
New Delhi, Sep 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India’s economy had maintained its momentum amid global uncertainty, with the country recording 7.8 per cent growth in the last quarter, describing the performance as a source of confidence and new opportunities for the world.
Modi made the remarks while addressing a joint press statement with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, who is on his first visit to India.
“Today, the world is going through a period of great upheaval,” Modi said, noting that continuing conflicts in different parts of the world were affecting food, fuel and supply chains.
Against this backdrop, he said, India’s economic growth was providing confidence and creating new opportunities globally.
Modi also highlighted the expanding India-Belgium partnership, saying cooperation between the two countries had moved beyond traditional sectors to strategic areas such as defence and clean energy.
He said the two sides were working together on advanced defence equipment, including the Zorawar tank, while a major green ammonia project was being developed in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.
Referring to the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement concluded earlier this year, Modi said the agreement would provide fresh impetus to economic relations and contribute to global stability, development and shared prosperity.
The Prime Minister said India and Belgium had agreed to strengthen cooperation in renewable energy, critical minerals and semiconductor technology. Belgium’s IMEC institute would be connected with India’s semiconductor ecosystem, he added.
The two countries also agreed to enhance military exchanges and training, intelligence sharing and cooperation against crime.
Modi said India and Belgium would work towards doubling bilateral trade over the next five years. An Investment Fast-Track Mechanism has been established for Belgian companies in India, while the India-Belgium Business Forum will be made a regular mechanism.
On regional issues, Modi said both countries supported dialogue and diplomacy and efforts for an early end to conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. He also said the two sides remained committed to eliminating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
